A Vision for the Future

The Deschutes Public Library is approaching its 100th birthday and looks forward to serving Deschutes County residents for 100 more years. To prepare for a dynamic next chapter, the library completed a Facilities Capital Plan that is the culmination of two years of intensive study and substantial community involvement. The plan outlines a vision for future library spaces and services needed to meet the demands of the 21st century and to keep pace with Deschutes County’s rapid population growth. Click here to access the plan.

Starting the Vision Process

On June 12, 2018, dozens of Deschutes County community leaders—including representatives from public agencies, private businesses, and non-profit organizations—gathered with library staff to explore two challenging questions:

What will the future bring for Deschutes County communities?

What role will the Deschutes Public Library(DPL) play in bringing this vision to life?

The workshop was led by Group 4 Architecture Research + Planning, Inc., a planning and architectural firm helping libraries nationwide develop visions and plans for vibrant and sustainable communities. Participants collaborated throughout the day on a series of focused
activities to encourage visionary thinking about the future of DPL with a focus on four themes: People, Place, Platform, and Partnership. The workshop was an essential part of engaging the community in the process of developing a new capital facilities plan for DPL.

The feedback we received from the vision workshop is highlighted below (full report):

People
Libraries are centers of their communities and provide a wide range of programs and activities for people of all ages. The library brings people together for crucial community conversations and to explore diverse viewpoints in a neutral environment. The library is also the perfect spot to engage people with entertainment and social gatherings.

Place
The library provides a welcoming, comfortable, and inspiring place for the community. A range of attractive, flexible, and multi-use spaces support a broad range of activities, from small social gatherings to large learning and entertainment programs. It provides new experiences on every visit and is never the same place twice.

Platform
The library provides a platform for lifelong learning. It is a crucial bridge across educational and digital gaps in the community. It fosters creativity and provides hands-on learning experiences. The community values its “membership” in the library and is rewarded for engaging in services and programs.

Partnerships
DPL leverages strong partnerships to provide the community with high-value, responsive, and integrated services. The community has access to library resources and programs both inside and outside of DPL’s buildings.

Reaching People Where They Work, Live, Play

In July, library staff were busy engaging with people-on-the-street in all of our communities. We sought out residents who don’t currently use the library and residents who do use us on a regular basis and asked them to tell us what they feel is most important for them as Deschutes County residents and how the library can best support their lifestyles and needs.

Leading Conversations Within Our Communities—Please Join Us!

We hope you will participate in the upcoming Community Conversations libraries are hosting in August. You are our most critical partner in this process. We need your ideas and feedback to create a vision for the future of our communities and the library. Please join in the conversation on the followingdays: